Antinociceptive activity of the ethanolic extract of DC.

The antinociceptive activity of the ethanolic extract of DC. (EETx) was investigated using the acetic acid-induced writhing and the hot-plate tests in mice. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, mice treated with EETx (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) exhibited reduced writhing (38%, 67%, and 74%, respectively). In the hot-plate test, the three doses administrated increased the nociceptive response time. The phytochemical analysis of EETx led to the isolation of three known compounds, hygric acid (), 5,6-Dihydroxy-7,8,4'-trimethoxyflavone () and xanthomicrol (). Compound was identified for the first time in this species. These results demonstrate that has potential central and peripheral antinociceptive effects and support the ethnomedicinal use of this plant.